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The 2018 Toyota Highlander vs the 2019 Kia Sorento: Which Is Best for Your Family?

Finding the most capable and comfortable family mover is ultimately the search for a vehicle that has the perfect blend of many factors: safety foremost, fuel economy, interior space, performance features, and more.

Comparing the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander

The Kia Sorento vs the Toyota Highlander — which to choose? Finding the most capable and comfortable family mover is ultimately the search for a vehicle that has the perfect blend of many factors: safety foremost, fuel economy, interior space, performance features, and more. With the right blend of features and style, a family vehicle can become a home away from home.

Cue the midsize SUV. Where we used to turn to minivans for our family's busy schedules, SUVs now reign supreme — with good reason. There are plenty of options to choose from. Vehicles such as the 2018 Toyota Highlander and 2019 Kia Sorento show us that you need not sacrifice style and excitability for family-ready practicality.

These two SUVs offer fantastic lists of creature comforts and luxurious to get excited about. Their offerings of all-wheel-drive systems and other capable features make them more hardy, safe, and reliable than the traditional family vehicle options.

The Kia Sorento

Though the 2019 Kia Sorento is a well-respected SUV option developed by an automaker that has won many awards for their designs, it does fall a little short when compared to the Toyota Highlander. Its smaller size and somewhat lackluster appearance may turn away some drivers, especially considering the Highlander is the cheaper of the two. But that's not to say it doesn't give it its all when it comes to features and luxuries.

On the all-wheel-drive 2019 Kia Sorento SX Limited, which is the top trim level for the 2019 model year, you'll find an extensive list of standard features, such as Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof with a powered shade, and an 8-inch touch screen through which you can view the back-up camera. The exterior is accented with LED headlights and 19-inch polished aluminum wheels.

The Sorento attempts to look the part of a modern SUV with chiseled body lines and chrome accents throughout. But despite its attempt at modernity, it still holds onto the curvy shapes and rounded lines the SUVs of yesteryear created.

Here are the greatest advantages of choosing a 2019 Kia Sorento:

Powerful V-6 engine upgrade

High-quality interior

User-friendly touch-screen system

Reliable handling

Here's where the Sorento falls short:

The entry-level engine is not powerful enough

Lack of options for the first trim level

The Toyota Highlander

The 2018 Toyota Highlander does its job well, transporting your family comfortably and safely. However, its style is a little outdated and in need of a redesign, which it will receive in its 2020 model year. That being said, the Highlander has a more sporty and aggressive appearance than the Sorento.

The Highlander has a powerful presence on the road, thanks to its signature two-tiered grille and high wheel wells. If it's style you're looking for in your family SUV, the Highlander is the obvious choice.

Something the Highlander does well is giving you a luxurious SUV experience for a somewhat reasonable price. The Highlander Limited Platinum is its top trim level and it offers features such as an 8-inch touch screen, a panoramic sunroof, 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and more.

Here are the greatest advantages of choosing a 2018 Toyota Highlander:

Plenty of driver-assisting safety technologies

Great fuel economy, especially with the hybrid option

The cabin stays quiet on the highway

Here is where the Highlander falls short:

Performance and handling is lackluster

The third row is cramped

Comparing Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander

Prices

Invoice Price:

Kia Sorento: $26,980-$34,941

Toyota Highlander: $32,625-$34,256

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price:

Kia Sorento: $36,790

Toyota Highlander: $37,520

Monthly Payment Estimate:

Kia Sorento: $613/month

Toyota Highlander: $625/month

Fuel Economy

EPA-Estimated fuel economy:

Kia Sorento: Up to 22 city/29 highway/25 combined, with a fuel capacity of 18.8 gallons.

Toyota Highlander: Up to 30 city/28 highway/29 combined, with a fuel capacity of 19.2 gallons.

Safety Rating

Though both the 2019 Kia Sorento and 2018 Toyota Highlander have much to offer SUV shoppers, each embodies their own distinct style and benefits over the other. Whether you choose the budget-friendly Sorento or better-equipped Highlander, you're sure to end up with a reliable, family-ready SUV.

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